Government officials said Sharif, who flew in from London, was given a choice of prosecution on corruption charges or leaving, and he opted to leave.

Besides Premier Aziz, the Supreme Court ordered 12 others including the chief minister of Punjab province, the interior minister and director general of the Federal Investigation Agency to appear in court on October 17, court officials said.

Sharif's supporters petitioned the Supreme Court on September 11 saying their leader was illegally deported, and the government had acted in contempt of court.

Sharif was sent to Saudi Arabia in 2000 as part of what the government says was a deal that he would stay in exile for 10 years instead of going to prison for hijacking and graft convictions.

Despite a mixed record as prime minister, Sharif's popularity soared for ruling out talks with the unpopular Musharraf, who has refused to give up his post as army chief post until after he is re-elected.